New Solvers: In Directmates (commonly known as Mate in Two, Three, etc.) White always moves first. Only the key-move defeats every black defense in the stipulated number of moves. You should list only these keys, no variations!

No.2654 is a Progressive twin, deriving its change from the previous
part (not the diagram). Thus, B) has five white men, C) has four white
men, while D) has only three white men. This and No.2655 (a normal
twin), plus Nos. 2658-59 are each worth 8 points for all correct
solutions. All four have a common theme, elegantly composed, and should
make for easy solving!

In Helpmates, Black always moves first, and both sides cooperate or "help" to mate the Black King. All moves must be legal. Full length solution(s) to helpmates must always be given by the solver. The best way to understand helpmates is to study past issues with solutions.

Old Solvers: all scores are recorded and you may rejoin any time where you left off. The numbers in parentheses, 2654-2659 correspond to David Brown's numbered collection.

Mail your list of solutions before September 15th to David L. Brown, 2217 N. Alpine, Rockford, IL 61107-1437. Or e-mail [email protected] Include the month and year of your submission in the subject line of your email or at the top of your mail-in form, or it may not be considered. A perfect score this month is 44. Solutions will appear in the Online version of September's Chess Life Magazine.

New Expert Solvers are Jerry De Gattis and David Robinson. Congratulations!

Names in Bold type have earned an Ascent, marking over 625 points. An asterisk indicates a perfect score of 252! Any specific questions (re wrong or missing scores) may be sent to either my postal or email address above. For non-email, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.